Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church Labyrinth

A labyrinth is a continual path rather than a maze, leading the walker to its center. Various religions and cultures have used labyrinths for over 4,000 years, and for more than a thousand years the Christian Church has used these prayer pathways as a devotional aid. Medieval Christians built labyrinths into the floors of many churches and cathedrals to encourage prayer during a short pilgrimage within church walls, and famous medieval examples survive at the cathedrals of Chartres, Cologne, and Reims. The cross at the center of this labyrinth is a Jerusalem Cross, named for Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified and raised. Its large central cross and four smaller surrounding crosses recall Christ's five wounds at the crucifixion—feet, hands, and side—and the four smaller crosses at the four corners also remind Jesus' followers to share the Good News of Christ's forgiveness and life with all people to the ends of the earth.

Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania · United States